WASHINGTON — Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, amid scrutiny and criticism over Wuerl’s handling of sex abuse claims dating back decades, when he led Pittsburgh’s archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Washington said the Vatican made the announcement on its website, at approximately noon, Rome time, Friday. That’s 6 a.m. here in Washington.

Wuerl met with the pope at the Vatican two weeks ago, to discuss whether his resignation would be accepted. In continuing the custom for cardinals, Wuerl presented his resignation to the pontiff three years ago, when he turned 75.

Since August, Wuerl has faced calls to resign over his handling of sex abuse allegations by Catholic clergy in Pennsylvania when Wuerl was bishop there, nearly 30 years ago.

In a statement released by the Archdiocese of Washington, Wuerl repeated his hope that his resignation might promote healing